The San Diego Chargers have chosen Joey Bosa in the First Round of the NFL Draft.
Bosa, a defensive end from Ohio State University, joins new acquisition Brandon Mebane, a former Seahawks nose tackle who signed with the Chargers last month, in bolstering the defensive line.
At 6’5” and 270 pounds, Bosa is an aggressive pass rusher. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and captured unanimous All-American honors.
Coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in South Florida, a breeding ground for future NFL players, Bosa was an early starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes in his freshman year. The defensive end is extremely competitive, loves rushing around the outside to get to the quarterback and is solid against the rush. Bosa played a key role on the Ohio State defense helping his school win the 2014 National Championship.
What does this mean for the Chargers defense? The Bolts potentially have a Defensive line that includes Joey Bosa, Brandon Mebane, Corey Liuget and perhaps even Sean Lissemore.
The Chargers have needed a force on the defensive line since Jamal Williams left after the 2009 season.
Many people had expected the Chargers to take either a left tackle or to pick Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Bosa's career ended on a down note when he was ejected in the first quarter in the Fiesta Bowl for targeting Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer.
Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco said in a tweet the team has had its eye on Bosa since September.
Bosa was effusive in his excitement on Twitter after he was picked No. 3 overall.
The Chargers are coming off a 4-12 season in which they went winless in the AFC West. They're also trying to get a citizens' initiative on the Nov. 8 ballot to help fund a new stadium.
Picking Bosa in the first round was not a surprise move for the Chargers. Much speculation surrounded what the Bolts would do with the fortunate No.3 pick. Would they trade to acquire more picks or keep the third slot and pick a formidable defensive player, like Bosa?
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Several staffers with the NBC 7 sports department predicted the Bolts would look to either beef up their offensive line or defensive line.
Bosa has earned All-America honors twice and also garnered the Big Ten defensive player of the year award and two Big Ten defensive linemen of the year awards in three seasons.
The draft is taking place in Chicago and continues through Saturday with rounds 1-7.
